We'd like to rehab it ourselves, but local banks told us only 203k-approved contractors may do the work, and their rates were ridiculous for something my guys would do during our normal daily activities.

Take action daily, even if it is small (analyzing one deal, making one call, going to one networking meeting, etc).  

I have been emerged in classes for home inspection, real estate licensing and real estate investing for the last few months on top of my regular JOB where I have to commute 150 miles daily.

I am currently a Process Server trying to learn a win/win for myself and the homeowners I encounter on a daily basis.

I try to not toot my horn (Toot Toot) but those 5 months sucked with daily tasks from the lender (sign this, sign that, write this “to whom it may concern”) or doing another due diligence all in compliance with the 1031s.

The great thing about this is it can be accomplished while doing other tasks like driving, yard work or household chores.  

I recommend setting up a keyword alert for "turnkey" You will get daily notifications about threads that are discussing buying properties out of state.

Any advice is welcome on what i should be doing on a daily basis to be a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur, 

Once the property is rented out i get that finding a trusted and reliable property management company to do the daily stuff and i am fine with paying the 8%-10% for this if the numbers work.  

The dogs go crazy when they expect their daily walk and dig into the soft wood with their claws when they run, causing indentations and scratch marks.